Forensic DNA question

by J Martin
(UK)

Hi. I understand that DNA testing can be done within 5 days. I also understand that it is possible for forensic scientists to differentiate between skins cells from (say) a finger and buccal cells from saliva.

What I'd like to know is how long it takes to differentiate between these cells.

Put another way, if forensic scientists can come back to police within 5 days and say we found X's DNA on the victim, could they also say at that point that the DNA came from saliva?